DOT and New York State move on USMMA Kings Point campus safety

Maritime Administrator Ann Phillips. “By integrating our internal waterways into the nation’s surface transportation system, we will be utilizing a more efficient, effective, and sustainable option for moving passengers and large freight.”

The U.S. Department of Transportation and New York State today announced the implementation of concurrent jurisdiction at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA). Concurrent jurisdiction on the USMMA campus in Kings Point, N,Y., means that victims of crimes have access to local resources and assistance from local authorities in response to, and in investigation and prosecution of, felony and misdemeanor crimes on campus property, including sexual assault and sexual harassment.

While problems with the USMMA’s Sea Year program have made unwelcome headlines, notably in the “Midshipman X” case, efforts to deal with sexual harassment issues on the academy campus have been ongoing for several years.

Under the new agreement, the Nassau County and Kings Point Police Departments now have authority to investigate misdemeanor sex crimes and most felonies, including sexual assault, occurring on the property owned and controlled by USMMA. Officers are authorized to make arrests, and the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office has the authority to prosecute the crimes. Not only will the crimes be investigated by NCPD and prosecuted by NCDA, they will also be heard in New York State Court.

“Our focus is on the safety and wellbeing of midshipmen. Concurrent jurisdiction is another critical step in our ongoing effort to strengthen safety and support at USMMA,” said Transportation Deputy Secretary Polly Trottenberg. “I would like to thank our partners in New York State and Nassau County — working together we can strengthen enforcement by ensuring a uniform response to criminal activity across the entirety of USMMA’s campus, creating a safer community for midshipmen.”

The move comes after extensive coordination between the State of New York, the Kings Point Police Department (KPPD), the Nassau County Police Department (NCPD), the New York State Office of the Attorney General (OAG), the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office (NCDA), the Department of Transportation, the Maritime Administration, and USMMA.

“We initiated EMBARC almost a year ago, as a program to help improve safety at sea for all midshipmen and indeed, for all mariners,” said Maritime Administrator Ann Phillips. “Now, we are proud to partner with the State of New York on this change to increase support for a culture of respect and accountability at USMMA. Every midshipman must have a safe environment in which to learn – both during Sea Year and on campus.”